Pongamia
Millettia pinnata, Fam. Fabaceae
A dense, spreading, deciduous tree 5-10m high, with smooth, creamy brown bark. Previously known as Pongamia pinnata.
| Weed Category: | |
| Weed: | No |
| Form or habit: | Small tree |
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Leaf: | Pinnate, to 25cm long. Two to three pairs of egg shaped leaflets and a terminal leaflet. Dark green, glossy, thin textured, pointed tip, 4.5-15 x 3.7-9cm, increasing in size from the inner to the terminal leaflet. The flush of new growth after the deciduous period is a delicate golden bronze colour. |
| Flower conspicuous: | Conspicuous |
| Flower colour: |
White, Pink, Lilac |
| Flower description: | Pink white to lilac pea flowers, about 1cm long. Borne on axillary racemes 8-12cm long. August to February. |
| Fruit conspicuous: | Conspicuous |
| Fruit colour: |
Brown |
| Fruit: | |
| Fruit description: | Light brown, woody, oblong, flat, smooth pods, 4-6 x 1.5-3cm. One to two red brown seed. |
| Habitat: | Gallery (riverine or riparian) forest, rainforest, vine thicket. |
| Distribution | Queensland, Northern Territory, New Guinea, Malesia. |
| Food source for: | |
| Toxicity: | All parts of the plant are thought to carry a toxin which causes vomiting. |
| Origin: | Australia, New Guinea, Malesia. |
| Notes: | A fast growing tree ideal for stream banks or coastal stabilisation. Appreciates regular moisture. Propagate from scarified fresh seed. |
| Information sources: | Atlas of Living Australia (2022) Millettia pinnata (L.) Panigrahi., Townsend K. & the Society for Growing Australian Plant Townsville Branch Inc. (1994) Across the Top: Gardening with Australian Plants in the tropics. |
